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In a European comparative perspective Sweden, though upholding a universal welfare model is one of the most restrictive
countries as regards irregular migrants’ right to access health care. They do not access care via the legal framework beyond
emergency care upon payment of the full cost. This article presents findings from a study aiming at exploring and
elucidating the Swedish policy answers as regards right to access health care for irregular migrants. The current policy is
outlined besides a new governmental agreement and standpoints put forward by health and welfare professionals. The
analysis suggests that migration policy has primacy over health policy. Further, it suggests, that by claiming that their
jurisdiction is independent from the state’s interest of control of migration the hierarchy is renegotiated. The core involves
the fundamental norms and principles underpinning the exclusion of irregular migrants from welfare services and their
connection to controlled migration.